Best Black-Owned Makeup Brands at Sephora
13 Products From Black-Owned Makeup Brands That Deserve a Spot on Everyone's List
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
It's 2022 — long (so long) past the time where there are only light, medium, and dark foundation colours that are supposed to match the complexions of billions of people. And while we've made remarkable strides in recent years with more-inclusive shade ranges, there's always room for improvement and pioneers who are leading the way.
The most influential forces are often people who are directly impacted — and who have directly experienced a situation where things were not one-nude-fits-all — and that person of colour helps turn the tide. For this reason, we decided to find the best makeup sold at Sephora that comes from Black-owned businesses.
Now we still can't believe that Pat McGrath ever had to resort to using cocoa powder because she couldn't find a face powder to match her skin tone. And thank you, Rihanna, for launching your groundbreaking number of foundation shades that inspired so many other brands to do better, too. But it's not just about foundation. When it comes to eye shadows and lipsticks, it just so happens that some of these companies founded by people of colour also offer the widest and most interesting range of choices, like a bold sunset-evoking orange or a turquoise that sends you straight to the beach. They are pigmented enough to show up on darker complexions, but that doesn't make them any less interesting for those who have lighter skin, too.
We picked out our favourite products that are suitable for just about anyone and that make us extra grateful that these entrepreneurs started out in the first place. If nothing else, let this list inspire you to consider switching up your lip colour. Check out the best makeup items from Black-owned businesses that you can pick up right at Sephora ahead.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
When Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty in 2017, the brand made news for introducing 40 different shades of foundation. That number is now up to 50, and (rightfully so) the Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation (£30) remains one of the brand's bestsellers at Sephora.
Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick
Pat McGrath Labs launched in 2015 by the renowned makeup artist of the same name and now offers a wide range of much-loved products, like its popular lipsticks and glosses. There are 30-plus colours of the highly pigmented matte lipsticks ranging from soft lilac to the bright orange-red and 20-plus satiny LuxeTrance Lipstick (£36) alternatives, too.
Black Up Cosmetics Demi Matte Liquid Lipstick
Founded in 1999 by African makeup artist Fabrice Mahabo, Black Up Cosmetics may have a different owner now, but it remains no less committed to shades that answer the specific needs of darker skin tones. Like this Black Up Cosmetics Demi Matte Liquid Lipstick (£20), which comes in red, plum, and nude.
By Joy Adenuga The Full Multi-Use Brush Set
Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder
Bouclème Super Hold Styler
UOMA Beauty Black Magic Colour Eyeshadow Palette Poise
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Match Stix Matte Skinstick
These Match Stix Matte Skinsticks (£23) were created to contour and conceal on a range of skin tones — with 20 different shades offered in warm, cool, and neutral undertones. Or sweep on something with a bit more shimmer as highlighter or blush with 15 colour choices for the Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick (£23) as well.
Beauty Bakerie Flour Setting Powder
Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
LIHA Beauty Ivory Shea
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminiser
There are now six different shades of the beloved Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminiser (£18), including a new clear Glass Slipper option. The original hues were on the lighter, more pink side, but check out the bold Hot Chocolit, a rich, shimmery brown that would complement darker complexions, too.
Pat McGrath Labs Mothership IX Eyeshadow Palette — Huetopian Dream
Many people collect Pat McGrath's palettes because the colours are so richly pigmented and unique . . . and it's hard to stop at just one. Luckily, several are offered at Sephora with a range of jewel tones and neutrals like the, Pat McGrath Labs Mothership IX Eyeshadow Palette — Huetopian Dream (£118), with colours we don't see every day (like that amethyst violet). Also up for grabs for £118 each are Mothership V (Bronze Seduction), Mothership I (Subliminal), and Mothership VI (Midnight Sun) — can you name a favourite?
